Nagpur: The Nagpur police have escalated their crackdown on those involved in Monday’s violence by booking four new FIRs, one of which includes sedition charges. Fahim Khan, city president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP), along with five others, was booked for allegedly using social media to incite unrest and glorify attacks on the police.
Curfew Partially Lifted In Some Areas
The violence erupted after a right-wing call to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, leading to widespread clashes. While the curfew imposed in response has now been partially lifted in some areas, restrictions remain in place in others as authorities continue their investigation.
However, cops are on their toes as it is jummah (Friday) today which might bring large numbers of Muslims together for the afternoon prayers (Namaaz). Strong police deployment is likely to be posted during the prayer timings to avoid any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, Lohit Matani, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) stated that Khan faces charges under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 152, which pertains to endangering India's sovereignty and spreading misinformation on social media.
He is accused of editing videos of the protest, sharing them online, and glorifying stone-pelting against law enforcement. Khan had already been named in the first FIR related to the violence, and his digital devices have been seized as part of the probe.
Social Media Widely Used For Inciting Violence
The four new FIRs include over 50 social media accounts that allegedly played a role in inciting violence. Some profiles are accused of sharing videos of the protests, while others reportedly circulated misleading content to escalate tensions.
The FIRs also mention accounts linked to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists for allegedly inciting unrest. Police have shared details of more than 230 accounts with Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and other social media platforms, requesting the removal of inflammatory content.
